Tonbridge 1 Carshalton Athletic 0

Match 46/08/730 - Tuesday, 24th February 2009 - Ryman Premier

Tonbridge (1) 1 Legge 32
Carshalton Athletic (0) 0
Att. 302

Entrance: £10
Programme: £2
Mileage: 26/5,485

Whilst Tonbridge still held third position in the Ryman Premier, recent indifferent home form has seen their lead over the fourth and fifth clubs eroded and they entered this match against Carshalton, who had been unbeaten away from home all season, in danger of surrendering their league position to the visitors. Seriously depleted with Carl Rook, Tommy Tyne and Ade Olorunda injured, Leon Legge was needed to switch from his normal central defensive slot to lead the line.

Saturday’s defeat at home to Sutton had added to a feeling of despair, but in adversity a performance of true character was produced. It was indeed Legge that put the Angels in front in the 32nd minute but, unfortunately, he showed that his true abilities lay in defence when two second half chances in the first five minutes went begging. Just one of these taken would have led to a more comfortable second 45 minutes. Carshalton, who in their run of away success even managed to take a point from Dover, were found wanting on the night. Lee Worgan, in the Tonbridge goal, was forced into only a couple of meaningful saves as the Angels back line controlled an attack including ex-Angel Michael Power and the very capable Richard Jolly.

Champions League football on the television had severely reduced the attendance to a disappointing 302, but the Tonbridge behind-the-goal contingent produced a good noise to complement the character being shown on the pitch from their favourites.

A man of the match winning performance of high energy from Jamie Cade typified the effort and character that had been shown all over the pitch from Tonbridge, who fully deserved their victory from a match that had produced good entertainment for those that had deserted their armchairs in favour of live football.